Ballerina doll

ABSTRACT

A hand-operated doll having animated leg, arm and head movement. The movements of the doll simulate those of a ballet dancer. The leg and arm movement is synchronized to have a leg raised while the arms are moving downward toward the leg and to have the arms raised as the leg moves downward to a vertical position. The doll is rotated on the toe of the other leg. A head spotting mechanism is provided for controlling the rotation of the head as a function of the rotation of the torso.

, United States Patent Gardel et al.

[54] BALLERINA DOLL [72] Inventors: Robert Gardel, New York, N.Y.;

Egon Got-sky, Westfield, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Mattel, Inc., Hawthorne, Calif.

[22] Filed: March 25, 1971 [21'] Appl. No.: 127,910

[52] US. Cl. 46/136 [51] int. Cl. ..A63h 13/02 [58] Field of Search..46/ 136, 247

1 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,597,878 8/1971 Iwasaki46/136 3,61 1,625 10/1971 Sloop et a] ..46/247 llm, ggll Lu 4 1 Oct. 24,1972 3,267,608 8/ 1966 Ryan ..46/247 Primary Examiner-Louis G. ManceneAssistant Examiner-J. Q. Lever Attorney-Seymour A. Scholnick ABSTRACTtrolling the rotation of the head as a function of the rotation of thetorso.

11 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEDucI24 me I 3,700,384

SHEET 1 BF 5 rrow/7 BALLERINA DOLL I This invention relates to ananimated doll, and more particularly, to an animated ballerina doll.

There are various types of animated dolls available. The most common ofthese types is walking dolls. More recently, dolls have been developedwhich simulate the movements of a ballet dancer. These dolls can berotated on one leg and the other leg will be raised and lowered duringthe rotational movement. These dolls have generally been batterypowered.

The doll of this invention will also simulate the movements of a balletdancer. However, the leg and arm movements have been synchronized togive a more lifelike appearance to the doll during use. Thus, in use thedoll will be rotated around one leg while the other leg is raised andlowered. During the raising and lowering of the other leg, the arms willalso be raised and lowered at the same time. As the leg is raised thearms are lowered and as the leg 'is lowered the arms are raised. Thedoll is hand actuated, and there are no electric motors or batteriesnecessary to operate the doll.

Another feature of the doll of this invention resides in the provisionof a unique spotting mechanism. When a live ballerina is making turns,as in a pirouette, her head will face forward as long as possible andspot an object in front of her. This facilitates her maintaining herbalance during the turns. After the rest of her body has been rotated,she will snap her head around and quickly face forward again.

In prior ballerina dolls, spotting mechanisms were used in order tomaintain the forward position of the head for as long as possible duringthe rotation of the rest of the doll. Thereafter, the head would snaparound and rotate with the balance of the doll until the head againfaced forward. Thus, the spotting technique of a ballerina is simulatedby this mechanism. The mechanism generally used in the prior art dollscomprised a torsion spring which maintained the forward position of thehead until the tension on the spring was released, thereby snapping thehead around. In the doll of this invention, a unique spotting mechanismis provided which does not require the use of any springs. The spottingtechnique is naturally carried out during the rotation of the doll, andaccurately follows the technique used by a live ballerina.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a novelballerina doll.

It is a further object of this invention to providea ballerina dollhaving a novel spotting mechanism.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providingan animated doll comprising a torso, a pair of legs, a pair of arms anda head, means for rotating said doll on one of said legs, means forraising and lowering the other of said legs, and means for raising andlowering said arms while said other of said legs is being raised andlowered.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this inventionwill be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood byreference to the following detailed description when considered inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a doll embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the doll of FIG. 1, with partsshown in phantom to illustrate the movement of the arms and one of thelegs;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front sectional view of the doll ofthis invention, with parts shown in elevation;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 4-4"of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial rear elevational view taken in the direction of theline 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5; p

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10- 10 of FIG. 4;

gear assembly FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11- 11 ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12- 12 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13- 13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view, partially in elevation, showing afirst position for the feet of the doll of this invention; and

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view, partially in elevation, and showing asecond position for the feet of the doll of this invention.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawingswherein like reference characters refer to like parts, a doll embodyingthe present invention is generally shown at 20 in FIG. 1. Doll 20basically comprises a torso 22, a head 24, a pair of arms 26 and 28 anda pair of legs 30 and 32 which depend from and support the torso.

The animation of the doll is carried out by rotating knob 34 which issecured on the top of shaft 36 that passes vertically through the head24 of the doll. Continued rotation of the knob causes the doll to rotateabout the toes of the left foot 32 in a clockwise direction. This causesthe alternate raising and lowering of leg 30 and the alternate raisingand lowering of arms 26 and 28 in unison. The movement of the arms andthe leg is shown by arrows 38 and 40, respectively, in FIG. 2. The armsare movable for a position which is inclined upwardly to a positionwhich is inclined downwardly, which is shown at 26 in FIG. 2. Likewise,the leg 30 is movable from the vertical position shown in FIG. 1 to asubstantially horizontal position. An in termediate position during themovement of the leg 30 is shown at 30' in FIG. 2.

The construction of doll 20 is best seen in connection with FIGS. 3through 15. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, torso 22 comprises a hollow shellwhich is preferably molded of plastic. Any of the plastics known to theart can be used for this purpose. The shell 22 includes a rectangularopening in the rear thereof, which opening is bordered by a lip 42. Acompartment 44 is positioned within shell 22. Compartment 44 includes aperipheral flange 46 around the edge thereof (FIG. 5). As-seen in FIGS.4, 5 and 6, the compartment 44 is placed in shell 22 by passing thecompartment through the rear opening and securing the peripheral flange46 to the lip 42 of the shell by any suitable fasteners, such as screws48 (FIG. 5).

Compartment 44 is rectangular in cross section, and includes a bottomwall, a top wall 50 (FIG. 6), a front wall 52 (FIG. 9) and side walls 54and 56 (FIG. 9). As seen in FIG. 3, shaft 36 is formed in two portions,an upper portion and a lower portion, which portions are joined by asleeve 58 having set screws 60 therein which engage the two portions ofthe shaft. As seen in FIG. 5, the lower portion of the shaft 36 passesthrough the top and bottom walls of compartment 44, and is accessiblefrom the rear of the doll. As seen in FIG. 3, a bearing sleeve 62 iskeyed to the shaft 36 adjacent the bottom thereof, and abuts the bottomwall of compartment 44. The bearing sleeve 62 limits the upward movementof the shaft 36.

Referring now to FIGS. and 9, it is seen that shaft 36 has a squarecross section. A plastic disc 64 is keyed to shaft 36 and is positionedat the bottom of compartment 44. Disc 64 passes through a slot in thefront wall 52 of the compartment (see also FIG. 4). Disc 64 is moldedfrom a resilient plastic, such as nylon.

A finger 66 having a pointed end 68 is pivotally mounted in compartment44 within bracket 70. Bracket 70 includes a leg 72 (FIG. 3) which passesthrough the bottom wall 74 of compartment 44, which leg is secured toflange 46 by nut, bolt and washer assembly 76 (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 9).Finger 66 is pivotally mounted around pin 78 which passes through thefinger and is secured in bracket 70. A coiled spring 80 encircles pin78, and urges finger 66 into contact with disc 64 at the circumferencethereof.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 9, a bracket 82 is mounted on bottom wall 74 ofcompartment 44 by suitable fasteners 84. Additional stability is givento the bracket by a brace 86 which is also mounted on bottom wall 74.Shaft 36 passes through bracket 82 before passing through disc 64. Asuitable bearing sleeve 88 is placed in the hole of bracket 84 throughwhich the shaft36 passes. Shaft 36 is rotatably mounted within thebearing sleeve 88, and the bracket 82 helps to maintain the alignment ofthe shaft within the doll.

As seen in FIG. 5, an elongated brace 90 is mounted against the top wall50 of compartment 44 by suitable fasteners 92. Brace 90 includes asubstantially U- shaped depression 94 at its center on which an L-shaped brace 96 is secured by rivet 98 (see also FIG. 8). As seen inFIG. 8, a bracket 100 is secured to the vertical leg of L-shaped bracket96 by screw 102 (FIG. 5). As seen in FIG. 8, shaft 36 passes throughbracket 100, and has a worm gear 104 mounted thereon within bracket 100.Worm gear 104 meshes with a spur gear 106 which is horizontally mountedwithin bracket 100. A horizontal shaft 108 passes through gear 106 whichis keyed thereto. Shaft 108 is rotatably mounted in bearing sleeves 110(FIG. 5) which are mounted in the side walls 54 and 56 of compartment44.

Referring to FIG. 3, it is seen that the front wall 52 of compartment 44has an opening 1 12 therein, rendering a portion of the interior of thecompartment visible in the front sectional view of FIG. 3. Shaft 108passes through the wall 56 of compartment 44 and has a disc 114 keyedthereon on the exterior side of wall 56. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pin116 is secured in disc 114, and a bar 118 is rotatably mounted on pin116, and secured in place by a cotter pin 120. The lower end of bar 118is rotatably mounted on a pin 122 which is secured on a U-shaped bracket124. The bar is secured in place by any suitable means, such as a cotterpin 1 26.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 10, a U-shaped bracket 128 having a bottomhorizontal leg 130 and upstanding vertical legs 132 is mounted in torso22 between legs 30 and 32. A shaft 134 passes through aligned holes inlegs 132 and is mounted in the front and rear sides of torso shell 22. Asecond U-shaped bracket 136 having a bottomhorizontal leg 138 andupstanding vertical legs 140 and 142 is secured on bracket 128 by screws144. Bracket 136 is used to rigidly secure bracket 128 within the doll.Thus, leg 140 is secured to the flange 46 of compartment 44 by a screw146 (FIGS. 3 and 4). As seen in FIG. 4, appropriate nuts 148 secure thescrew in place.

As seen in FIG. 3, a pair of spaced legs 150 depend from horizontal leg130 of bracket 128, and are unitary therewith. As seen in FIG. 10, ashaft 152 passes through legs 150, through bracket 124, and into theinterior of the doll leg 30. A vertically extending plate 154 (FIGS. 3and 10) is secured on the bracket 124. Shaft 152 passes through plate154, and is secured in place through the use of an enlarged head 156 anda pin 158 (FIG. 10).

Plate 154 is positioned adjacent an opening 160 in torso 22. The purposeof opening 160 is to provide a space for the attachment of leg 30 inplace. A similar opening 160 is also provided for leg 32, as seen inFIG. 10. Plate 154 includes three equally spaced projecting beads 162thereon (FIG. 10). A disc 164 is mounted on leg 30, which leg is hollowand formed from a molded plastic. Disc 164 includes three equally spacedrecesses which are alignable with beads 162, and which receive the beadstherein. A washer 166 is positioned within leg 30, and bears against theinterior of disc 164. Shaft 152 passes through washer 166. A spring 168is telescoped over the shaft 152 within leg 30, and is secured in placeby a nut 170 that is threadedly secured on the end of the shaft.

It is seen by reference to FIG. 10 that leg 30 is resiliently mountedrelative to plate 154. The alignment of the leg relative to the plate ismaintained by the engagement of beads 162 in the aligned notches ordepressions in disc 164 and the pressure of the spring 168 against thedisc 164. The purpose of the resilient mounting is to permit the leg 30to be rotated from the vertical position shown in FIG. 1 to a position120 in a counterclockwise direction from that shown in FIG. 1. As isapparent in FIG. 10, and as will be explained in further detailhereinafter, leg 32 is also movable through this 120 of rotation. Thepurpose of having the resilient mounting for the leg and the detents topemiit the leg to be moved exactly 120 is to permit the doll to beplaced in either the standing position shown in FIG. 1 or a sittingposition. This mechanism for permitting the movement of the legs isdisclosed in greater detail in our copending application Ser. No.866,953, filed Oct. 16, 1969, and in and of itself, forms no part ofthis invention. However, the feature is useful to the doll of thisinvention.

Bracket 124 is rotatable about shaft 152. Since leg 30 is resilientlyengaged with the bracket 124 through the use of plate 154, disc 164 andspring 168, when the bracket 124 is rotated about shaft 152, the leg 30will also be rotated in the same manner.

The securement of leg 32 on the torso 22 is best seen by reference toFIGS. and 11. As seen in FIG. 10, a U-shaped bracket 172, which issimilar to bracket 124, is provided. Since many of the elements used forthe mounting of leg 32 are identical to those used for the mounting ofleg 30, the same reference characters will be used. Thus, a plate 154 issecured on U-shaped bracket 172. The three equally spaced beads 162 areshown in phantom in FIG. 11. These beads are received in recesses indisc 164. A shaft 174 passes through bracket 172 and into the interiorof leg 32. A spacer 176 is telescoped over the shaft and is positionedwithin bracket 172. The leg 32 is resiliently mounted in place throughthe use of a washer .166, a spring 168 and a nut 170 threadedlysecuredon the end of shaft 174.

As pointed out above, leg 32 is rotatable from the vertical positionshown in FIG. 1 to a position 120 upward and in the front of the doll inorder to enable the doll to be placed in a sitting position. However,with the exception of this sitting feature used for the leg 32, the leg32 is rigidly mounted with respect to the remainder of the doll. In thisconnection, a pair of shafts 178 is secured in legs 150 and passesthrough bracket 172 (FIG. 10). The legs also pass through plate 154associated with bracket 172 and are secured in place by cotter pins 180.Spacers 182 are positioned between the left-hand leg 150 and bracket172.

As pointed out above, bracket 128 is rigidly mounted within torso 22.Bracket 172 is in turn rigidly mounted to bracket 128 through the use ofshafts 178. Accordingly, the leg 32 is rigidly mounted with respect tothe remainder of the doll, with the exception of the rotational featurein order to obtain a sitting position.

Referring again to FIG. 4, it is seen that a rod 184 is pivotally linkedto bracket 124 by a pin 186. As seen in FIG. 4, rod 184 passes throughan opening in the bottom of compartment 44, follows a bent path withinthe compartment, and as seen in FIG. 4, leaves the compartment throughopening 112 in wall 52 of the compartment. As seen in FIG. 5, a washer188 is telescoped over rod 184, and abuts the top surface of bottom wall74 of compartment 44. A spring 190 is telescoped over rod 184, and bearsagainst the top surface of washer 188. A second washer 192 bears againstthe top surface of spring 190, and is secured in place by a crimp 194made in rod 184. Spring 190 is a coiled compression spring, and exertsan upward pressure on rod 184 through washer 192 and crimp 194.

After passing through opening 112 in compartment 44, rod 184 extendsvertically upward and terminates in a flattened end 196 (FIG. 6). Asseen in FIG. 6, rod 184 is pivotally secured to a bar 198 by a pin 200that passes through the flattened end 196. Pin 200 is secured on bar 198by a nut 202, and the flattened end 196 is secured on the pin by anendcap 204. Bar 198 is in turn rigidly secured to an angled bar 206 byrivets 208.

As seen in FIG. 6, angled bar 206 includes a pair of terminal flanges210. Each flange 210 includes a horizontal slot in which is received theflattened end 212 of a horizontally extending shaft 214. A cylinder 216is positioned in the shoulder opening for each arm 26 and 28 (FIGS. 3and 6). As best seen in FIG. 6, each cylinder 216 includes an innerannular flange 218 and an outer annular flange 220. The two flanges forma groove therebetween, and the torso shell is securely held within thisgroove by the flanges. A bearing sleeve 222 (FIG. 6) is positionedwithin a central bore of each cylinder 216. Shaft 214 is rotatablymounted within sleeve 222.

As seen in FIG. 3, a second cylinder 224 is mounted adjacent cylinder216 on shaft 214. Cylinder 224 is keyed to shaft 214 by a pin 226 thatpasses through the cylinder and the shaft. An end disc 228 is formed onthe end of cylinder 214, and abuts annular flange 220. A groove isformed in cylinder 224 adjacent disc 228, and hollow arms 226-and 228are snapped into this groove, as seen in FIG. 3. The arms areresiliently held in the groove, and accordingly when shaft 214 isrotated, the cylinder 224 which is keyed thereto will also rotate. Thiswill in turnrotate the arms which are resiliently held on the cylinder.However, when it is desired to change the disposition of the arms, theycan be hand rotated within the grooves to any desired position.Thereafter, when the shafts 214 are again rotated, the arms 26 and 28will be rotated therewith.

An elongated plate 230 FIGS. 4 and 6 is mounted on the top wall ofcompartment 44 by a pair of screws 232 FIGS. 3 and 6 passing through thewall from the inside thereof and extending vertically upward. The plate230 is held in place by a pair of nuts 234 (one shown in FIG. 4). Asseen in FIGS. 3 and 4, two additional plates 236 are mounted parallel toplate 230 on screws 232 by appropriate nuts 238. A bearing sleeve 240 ispositioned between plates 236 at the center thereof, and a secondbearing sleeve 242 is positioned on top of the uppermost plate 236.Bearing sleeve 242 includes a reduced diameter upperportion 244 (FIGS. 3and 4). Shaft 36 is joumalled in bearing sleeves 240 and 242.

A cylinder 246 (FIG. 6) is eccentrically mounted on shaft 36. Cylinder246 is positioned in slot 248 of plate 250. As seen in FIG. 6, the widthof slot 248 is substantially equal to the diameter of cylinder 246, andthe length of the slot is substantially greater than the diameter of thecylinder 246. Plate 250 also includes a rectangular slot 252 therein.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a disc 254 having a depending boss 256 ismounted on the underside of plate 250 by screws 258. The disc and bosshave a rectangular slot passing therethrough, which slot is aligned withslot 252 in plate 250. The flattened end 260 of a round shaft 262 passesthrough the aligned slots in the boss and disc and slot 252 in plate250. The disc and boss are formed from a resilient plastic, such asnylon, and frictionally hold the flattened end 260 of shaft 262 therein.This also maintains the shaft within slot 252.

A bracket 264 is mounted on the front wall 52 of compartment 44 by bolts266 and associated nuts (FIGS. 3 and 4). An L-shaped bar 268 (FIG. 4) isriveted to the front face of bracket 264. Bar 268 includes an upperhorizontal leg having an opening therein through which shaft 262 passes.As seen in FIG. 3, shaft 262 includes a pair of crimps 270 below bar268. The crimps 270 prevent upward movement of the shaft 262 relative tobar 268. Downward movement of the shaft is prevented by the resilientgrip of disc 254 and its associated boss 256 on the flattened portion260.

A bracket 272 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is secured on the front wall 52 ofcompartment 44 by bolts 274 and associated nuts. Bracket 272 also has anL-shaped bar 276 riveted thereon at the center thereof. The bottom ofshaft 262 passes through a hole in the center of the horizontal portionof bar 276 and is provided with a 90 bend leaving horizontal section278. The two bars 268 and 276 maintain the vertical alignment of shaft262, as best seen in FIG. 4. Shaft 262 is rotatable within the openingsin bars 268 and 276.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 13, a plate 280 having an inclined leg 282 istelescoped over bearing sleeve 242. Leg 282 includes a rectangular slot284 therein. Flattened end 260 of shaft 262 projects through slot 284(FIGS. 12 and 13). An elongated slot 286 (FIG. 12) is formed in thehorizontal portion of plate 280. A third slot 288 is also formed in thehorizontal portion of plate 280.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, torso 22 includes a neck opening 290. A neckdisc 292 is telescoped over bearing sleeve 242 and positioned in neckopening 290. As best seen in FIG. 13, neck disc 292 includes a lowercircumferential taper 294 and an upper circumferential taper 296. Asecond disc 298 is secured to disc 292 by a plurality of screws 300.Head 24 is formed from a soft material, such as synthetic rubber, andincludes a lower inwardly projecting lip 302 (FIG. 3). The head issecured on disc 292 by snapping the lip over disc 298, whereby the lipisreceived on the tapered wall 296.

Referring again to FIG. 13, it is seen that disc 292 includes aninternal cavity 304 which terminates in a cylinder 306 having a centralbore. The lower face of cylinder 306 abuts the top edge of the enlargedportion of bearing sleeve 242. The reduced portion 244 of bearing sleeve242 is received within the bore of cylinder 306. The shoulder formed bythe top of the enlarged portion of bearing sleeve 242 provides a stopfor the downward movement of disc 292, thereby positioning the discwithin the neck opening 290. Disc 292 is rotatable around reducedportion 244 and on the top edge of the enlarged portion of bearingsleeve 242. The disc is formed from a plastic material having a lowcoefficient of friction, such as nylon.

As seen in FIG. 13, a pin 308-having a head 310 passes through slot 288and is received in a vertical bore passing through discs 292 and 298.Head 310 is larger in diameter than the width of slot 288, andaccordingly prevents the head from passing through the slot. A washer312 is telescoped over the pin and is positioned between the pin and thebottom of disc 292. A bearing sleeve 314 is placed in the bore of disc292, and pin 308 is rotatably mounted within the bearing sleeve. Acoiled compression spring 316 is telescoped over pin 308 and one endbears against the top of sleeve 314. A washer 318 is placed against thetop of spring 316 and is held in place by a cotter pin 320. It is thus.seen by reference to FIG. 13 that plate 280 is resiliently coupled todisc 292 and 298 by pin 308 and spring 316.

In the assembly of the doll all elements are secured in place and thelower portion of shaft 36 is left uncovered. The top portion of shaft 36is then passed through hole 322 (FIG. 3) in head 24. Since the head isformed from a compressible material, such as rubber, the head can beslid upward relative to the upper portion of shaft 36 and compressed,thereby enabling the securement of the upper and lower portions of theshaft in sleeve 58. Thereafter, the head is snapped into the grooveformed by disc 298 and the upper tapered surface 296 of disc 292. Knob34 is keyed to shaft 36, as by a cotter pin 324 (FIG. 3).

In FIGS. 14 and 15 the mechanism for mounting a foot 326 at the bottomof leg is shown. An identical mechanism is used for mounting the foot atthe bottom of leg 32.

As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, leg 30 is formed from a hollow moldedplastic, and foot 326 is likewise formed from a hollow molded plastic. Abracket 328 is secured in the top of the foot. Bracket 328 includes aslot 330 that extends along substantially the entire length thereof. Thestructure of the bracket and the other elements linking the foot to theleg 30 is shown in detail in US. Pat. No. 2,783,587, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein. No claim is made with respectto the foot structure separate and apart from the rest of the dolldisclosed herein.

A rod 332 projects upwardly into leg 30. The rod includes a T-shapedhead with upwardly projecting flanges at the extremities of the crossbar of the T. This head is received within slot 330 of bracket 328. Acompression spring 334 is telescoped over rod 332 and is secured at thetop thereof. Spring 334 holds foot 326 resiliently against the base ofleg 30.

The foot 326 is pivotable around rod 332 from the position shown in FIG.14 to the position shown in FIG.

15. When the doll is used as a ballerina doll, the foot 326, and thefoot on leg 32, will be in the position shown in FIG. 14. When the dollis not in use as a bal lerina doll, and it is desired to stand the dollon a shelf or other supporting member, the feet will be in thehorizontal position shown in FIG. 15. When the feet are so positioned,the doll can be maintained in a vertical self-supporting position.

The doll of this invention is used as a ballerina by pivoting the feetto the position shown in FIG. 14, whereby the toes are pointeddownwardly, in the same manner as would be done by a ballerina. Knob 34is then grasped in one hand and the doll is tilted slightly to the left,thereby placing all of the weight of the doll on the toes of the leftfoot. This slightly raises the right foot off the supporting surface onwhich the left foot is placed. Thereafter, knob 34 is rapidly rotated ina clockwise direction in a convenient amount and then stopped andmanually held against rotation. This will in turn cause shaft 36, whichis keyed to the knob, to rotate in a clockwise direction.

Referring now to FIG. 9, it is seen that the rotation of shaft 36 in aclockwise direction tends to rotate resilient disc 64 in a clockwisedirection, in view of the fact that the disc is keyed to the shaft.However, the rotation of disc 64, by the engagement of edge 68 of finger66 into the circumference of the disc, causes corresponding rotation ofthe torso of the doll, thereby causing the doll to rotate in a clockwisedirection with the shaft, utilizing the toes of the left foot as a pivotpoint. Then when the knob 34 and shaft 36 are stopped and held againstrotation, the inertia of the torso and the parts mounted therein causethe torso and the remainder of the doll to rotate around stationaryshaft 36. Relative rotation between the torso and shaft now cause spurgear 106 to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGS. 7 and 8.The rotation of the spur gear will in turn cause shaft 108 to rotate inaclockwise direction.

Referring'to FIG. 4, it is seen that the rotation of I shaft 108 in aclockwise direction will in turn cause disc 114 to rotate in a clockwisedirection. This will in turn cause pin 116 to rotate in a clockwisedirection along with the disc. Bar 118 is pivotally mounted on pin 116,and accordingly as the pin is rotated the bar 118 will be raised andlowered during a complete revolution of the pin. As seen in FIG. 4, asthe bar 118 is raised by the rotation of pin 116, the bottom end of thebar will also be raised. This will in turn cause the raising of pin 122and bracket 124. The pin and bracket will accordingly be pivoted in acounterclockwise direction around shaft 152.

Referring to FIG. 10, it is seen that as the bracket 124 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction around shaft 152, leg 30 will likewise berotated in the same direction in view of the fact that the leg issecured to the bracket. Accordingly, the leg 30 will be raised from thevertical position shown in FIG. 1 to a substantially horizontalposition, as indicated by arrows 40 in FIG. 2. As the bracket 124 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4, rod 184which is pivotally linked to bracket 124 on the other side of shaft 152will be pulled downwardly. This in turn will cause the downward movementof bar 206, which is linked to rod 184 by bar 198 and pin 200.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, it is seen that I the downward movement ofrod .184 will thus rotate bar 206 in a clockwise direction. The rotationof the bar in a clockwise direction will in turn rotate shafts 214 in aclockwise direction in view of the fact that the shafts are keyed tobar. 206 through flattened ends 212. It

should be recalled that shoulder cylinders 216 are rigidly fixed in theshoulder openings of the torso, and the shafts 214 are rotatably mountedin the shoulder cylinders. Accordingly, as the shafts 214 are rotated ina clockwise direction, the 'arms 26 and 28 will be rotated downwardly,as indicated by arrows 38 in FIG. 2.

It should be recalled that the motion of the raising of the leg 30 andthe lowering of the arms 26 and 28 are being accomplished as the torso22 and the remainder of the doll are rotating. Thus, during one phase ofthe rotation of the doll the leg 30 is being raised and the arms 26 and28 are being lowered in the direction of the rising leg while the dollis rotating on leg 32.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, it is seen that as the doll continuesto rotate relative to shaft 36, the spur gear 106 will continue torotate. This in turn will continue the clockwise rotation of disc 114(FIG. 4). The continued rotation of the disc 114 will initially causebar 118 to rise until the pin has been rotated an additional 90. At thispoint, leg 30 will be raised to its highest position, and arms 26 and 28will be lowered to their lowest position. As the disc I114 continues torotate, bar 118 will begin to lower.

As the bar 118 is lowered, bracket 124 will be rotated in a clockwisedirection, as seen in FIG. 4. This will in turn cause the lowering ofleg 30, as indicated by arrows 40 in FIG. 2. At the same time, rod 184will begin to rise, thereby raising bar 206. This in turn will cause thecounterclockwise rotation of shafts 214, thereby rotating arms 26 and 28in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, as the leg 30 is lowered, thearms 26 and 28 will be raised toward the position shown in full line inFIG. 2.

Once the initial rotational force is applied to the doll by therotational force applied to shaft 36, and due to the nature of theengagement of edge 68 on the circumference of disc 64, the doll willcontinue to rotate freely about the toes on leg 32. The rotationalmomentum is maintained by periodically rotating knob 34, first in acounterclockwise direction and then in a clockwise direction, to addadditional rotational force. In this connection, it should be noted thateach time the knob 34 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction thedisc 64 will rotate freely in the same direction. Accordingly, themotion of the doll relative to the shaft is always in the samedirection, namely, clockwise. The combined effect of disc 64 and finger66 is that of a ratchet and pawl system. The advantage of the resilientdisc over a ratchet wheel is that the clicking; sound of the ratchetwheel is eliminated. However, the disc will function in exactly the samemanner as a ratchet wheel in view of the fact that the finger can makesufficient penetration into the resilient disc to prevent clockwiserotation of the disc. So long as the doll is rotating relative to theshaft, the spur gear 106 will turn in a clockwise direction, therebymaintaining the movement of the arms andleg as the doll is rotating.Obviously, during periodic counterclockwise rotations of shaft 36, whilethe doll is rotating clockwise, the speed of swinging movement of thearms and legs is increased. Conversely, periodic rotations of the shaft36 clockwise causes arm and leg swinging movements to stop even thoughthe torso is rotating, thus giving the operator the ability to introduceinteresting variations in the described movements.

Merely by pivoting the wrist, a child can maintain the rotationalmovement of the doll indefinitely. Thus, each time the knob 34 isrotated counterclockwise and then rotated an equal amount in a clockwisedirection, a sufficient force is imparted to the doll to obtain at leastone full revolution for the doll. The motion of the doll can bemaintained without the use of any batterypowered motors or electricmotors. Of course, it should be understood that if desired, the doll ofthis invention can be operated by utilizing a battery powered motor. Inthis case, the child would merely hold the knob 34, and actuate themotor in order to obtain the desired movements for the doll.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is seen that as bracket 124 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction, thereby raising leg 30, rod 184will be lowered. This in turn will compress spring (FIG. 5). Thus, asthe arms 26 and 28 are lowered and the leg 30 is raised, the spring 190will be compressed. However, when the leg 30 is lowered, and the arms 26and 28 are to be raised, the spring 190 will expand. This expansion andcontraction of the spring adds stability to the movement of the arms andleg, and in addition, aids in the raising of the arms by providing anadditional force for the raising of the arms.

An alternative method of operating the doll arises from the fact thatthe downward extensions of the axis of shaft 36 is displaced laterallyfrom the point of contact between the toe of leg 30 and the floor. Bygrasping knob 34 and holding the same against rotation about the axis ofshaft 36, the knob and torso can be operated like a crank to causerotation of the. torso relative to the shaft and about a generallyupright axis passing through the point of contact between the right toeand the floor. Thus a uniform speed of operation may be achieved, withthe capability of introducing variations by partially rotating shaft 36when and in whatever direction desired.

An alternative method of operating the doll arises from the fact thatthe downward extensions of the axis of shaft 36 is displaced laterallyfrom the point of contact between the toe of leg 30 and the floor. Bygrasping knob 34 and holding the same against rotation about the axis,of shaft 36, the knob and torso can be operated like a crank to causerotation of the torso relative to the shaft and about a generallyupright axis passing through the point of contact between the right toeand the floor. Thus a uniform speed of operation may be achieved, withthe capability of introducing variations by partially rotating shaft 36when and in whatever direction desired.

In addition to the arm and leg raising and lowering movements and thetwirling movement of the doll, the doll also possesses a spotting means.As pointed out above, when a ballerina goes through a whirling movement,as in a pirouette, she will spot on an object in front of her, andmaintain her stare on the object as long as possible. Thus, theremainder of her body will spin first while the head remains facing in afixed direction.

Thereafter, she will snap her head around as quickly as possible inorder to bring it back to the forward position. This aids in themaintaining of her stability during the whirling movements.

The spotting mechanism of the doll of this invention is best seen inFIGS. 3, 4, 6, 12 and 13. As seen in FIG. 3, head 24 is secured on discs292 and 298. Accordingly, the head will only move whenever these discsmove. Referring to FIG. 13, it is seen that drive shaft 36 passesthrough bearing sleeve 242, on which the discs are rotatable, and theshaft is freely rotatable within the bearing sleeve. Accordingly, anyrotation of the shaft 36 will initially have no effect on the positionof the head 24 in view of the fact that the shaft is freely rotatable inthe bearing sleeve on which the head is mounted. The initial rotation ofthe torso 22 will not affect the positionof the head 24 at the time thetorso is initially rotated since the position of the head will appear toremain stationary.

Referring to FIG. 6, it is seen that plate 250 will rotate along withthe torso 22. Additionally, plate 250 will oscillate about a pivot pointformed by flattened end 260 of shaft 262 at the same time the plate isrotating along with the torso 22. The oscillation is caused by themovement of the plate 250 relative to cylinder 246 which is keyed toshaft 36. Thus, plate 250 will always move in a clockwise directionrelative to shaft 36 and shaft 36 will always move in a counterclockwisedirection relative to plate 250. This movement is caused by the ratchetand pawl type of arrangement of disc 64 and finger 66.

Referring again to FIG. 6, it is seen that as the plate 250 moves in aclockwise direction around cylinder 246, the plate will initially berotated in a counterclockwise direction around shaft 262 by the bearingof the cylinder 246 against the bottom wall of slot 248. Thus, as isapparent from FIG. 6, the cylinder 246 is eccentrically mounted on shaft36. Continued rotation of the torso 22 relative to cylinder 246 willeventually bring the cylinder into the elongated righthand portion ofslot 248. At this point the plate 250 will be in the same position as isshown in FIG. 6 relative to the torso. Further rotation of the torsorelative to cylinder 246 will bring the eccentric portion of cylinder246 against the top side of slot 248, as viewed in FIG. 6. This willrotate the plate 250 in a clockwise direction relative to flattened end260 of shaft 262. A further rotation of the torso will bring theeccentric portion of the cylinder 246 back to the position shown in FIG.6.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, it is seen that the oscillation of theplate 250 around flattened end 260 of shaft 262 will also oscillate theflattened end of the shaft (see also FIG. 6). This is caused by the factthat the flattened end 260 is keyed to plate 250 within slot 252. As theflattened end 260 oscillates back and forth under the movement of theplate 250, plate 280 will oscillate in a like manner. This is becausethe flattened end 260 is keyed to plate 280 within slot 284. Slot 286 isformed in plate 280 to prevent any contact between plate 280 and bearingsleeve 242 as the plate is oscillated back and forth.

As seen in FIG. 13, discs 292 and 298, which support head 24, arerotatably mounted on pin 308. Pin 308 passes through a slot 288 in plate280. Accordingly, as the plate 280 is oscillated, it will cause pin 308to oscillate about a center at the flattened end 260 of shaft 262. Asthe pin 308 is oscillated it will first rotate disc 292 and 298 in acounterclockwise direction, and then in a clockwise direction. Slot 288is provided to permit the complete oscillation of the pin 308. Thus,since flattened end 260 of shaft 262 provides a pivot point fixedrelative to the torso, and since the pin will be brought closer andfarther away from this fixed pivot point as the plate 280 is oscillated,the slot 288 is provided to accommodate any movement of the pin relativeto the pivot point. The discs 292 and 298 are formed from a plastichaving a low coefficient of friction, such as nylon, and are freelyrotatable about the bearing sleeve 242.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 6, it is seen that in the initial orstarting position of the doll prior to the dancing motion, the head 24faces forward and the eccentric portion of cylinder 246 faces rearwardlywithin the elongated portion of slot 248. During the first 90 ofrotation of the torso 22 in a clockwise direction, the plate 250 willlikewise rotate 90. At the same time the plate is rotating, it isoscillating in a counterclockwise direction under the urging of theeccentric portion of cylinder 246. Accordingly, while the torso isrotating in a clockwise direction, the head 24 will be caused to rotatein a counterclockwise direction. This has the net effect or maintainingthe head looking forwardly as the dollisrotatedinaclockwise direction.

During the next 90 of rotation of the torso, the eccentric portion ofthe cylinder 246 moves into the forward elongated portion of the slot248. Thus, at this time the counterclockwise oscillation of the plate250 is terminated and the head 24 begins to rotate at the same speed asthe rest of the doll. During the next 90 of rotation of the torso, theeccentric portion 246 causes the rotation of plate 250 in a clockwisedirection. The net effect of this is th'atnot only will the head 24rotate with the rest of thedoll, it will actually rotate at a fasterrate of speed in view of the fact that it is being rotated by themovement of the flattened end 260 of shaft 262. When the doll has made acomplete revolution, the eccentric portion of cylinder 246 will be inthe position shown in FIG. 6, and the dolls head will again be facingforwardly.

The result of the .movementsof the head 24 is that the head willinitially be facing forward as the doll is first rotated, willthereafter rotate in the same direction and at the same speed as therest of the doll, and will ultimately rotate at a faster speed than therest of the doll in order to have the head aligned with the rest of thedoll. This movement simulates the actual movements of a ballerina duringher spotting routine.

The amount that the leg 30 is raised and the amount of raising andloweringof the arms 26 and 28 are controlled by the positioning of thepins 122 and 186 on bracket 124 (FIG. 4). Thus, the closer the pin 122is to pivot shaft 152, the greater the amount leg 30 will be raised.Likewise, the closer pin 186 is to pivot shaft 152, the greater theamount of movement of arms 26 and 28. In a preferred embodiment of thedoll of this invention, the leg 30 will be raised from the verticalposition shown in FIGS 1 and 2 through an arc of 90 to a substantiallyhorizontal position. The arms 26 and 28 can be moved from asubstantially vertical position over the head down through an arc ofapproximately 170 to a point where they will almost touch leg 30 at thetime the leg is raised. Of course, it should be understood, that theamount of rotation of the arms and leg is purely a matter of choice andcan be varied to suit the needs of the user.

One of the features of the doll of this invention is that the arms 26and 28 need not be rotatably mounted on an axis which is transverse to alongitudinal axis through the center of the doll. In other words,because the rotation of the arms is accomplished through bar 206 insteadof through a shaft extending transversely across the doll, the angle ofrotation of the arms can be varied. In this connection, it can be seenby reference to FIG. 6 that the shoulder cylinders 216 are shown asbeing mounted substantially parallel to each other. However, thesecylinders can be inclined toward each other as they face forward inorder to have the arms approach each other as they are raised orlowered. Likewise, if it is desired to have the arms move away from eachother, the shoulder cylinders 216 can be inclined away from each otheras they face forward. This variation in rotation is easily accomplishedsince the oscillating bar 206 can rotate the shafts 214 regardless ofthe angle of the shafts relative to the bar.

It should also be understood that although many of the body elements ofthe doll have been shown as being open for the purpose of clarity, theactual doll body completely contains and encloses the mechanism of thedoll. Thus, a cover plate can be placed over the back of compartment 44thereby sealing the same. Additionally, clothing will be provided forthe doll which is similar to a ballerinas clothing.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate ourinvention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge,readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

l. A doll comprising:

a torso; y

a pair of legs mounted on said torso, at least one of saidlegsbeingmounted for upward and downward swinging movement and the other ofsaid legs having means thereon for supporting said doll, when in agenerally upright position, on a supporting surface for free rotationabout a generally upright axis;

a pair of arms swingably mounted on said torso for having manuallygraspable means thereon exteriorally of said head; and means fordrivingly connecting said shaft to said torso in one direction whilepermitting free rotation of said torso relative to said shaft in saidone direction.

3. A doll as defined in claim 2 wherein said lastnamed means comprises adisc fixed on said shaft and a generally pointed finger pivotallymounted on said torso with its generally pointed end engaging theperiphery of said disc to serve as aratchet connection between saidshaft and torso.

4. The doll of claim 2 wherein said actuating means includes a bracketsupporting said one leg, said bracket being pivotally mounted withrespect to said torso, bar means pivotally linked to said bracket, andmeans responsive to rotation of said shaft to cause the raising andlowering of said bar means, thereby pivotally reciprocating said bracketon which said one leg is secured, and thereby raising and lowering saidone leg.

5. The doll of claim 4 and further including arrn bracket means, each ofsaid anns being keyed to a rotatably mounted shaft which is keyed tosaid arm bracket means, rod means being pivotally linked to said legbracket and to said arm bracket means, said rod means being linked tosaid leg bracket on the side of the pivotal point which is opposite tothe pivotal securement of said bar means, whereby the pivotalreciprocation of said leg bracket will cause the raising and lowering ofsaid arms.

6. The doll of claim 5 and further including compression spring meanswhich bear against said rod means, said spring means being compressedwhen said arms are lowered and said spring means being expanded whensaid arms are raised.

7. The doll of claim 2 and further including head spotting meansresponsive to relative rotation between said torso and shaft, which headspotting means controls rotation of said head about said generallyupright axis as a function of the rotation of said torso.

8. The doll of claim 7 wherein said head spotting means causes said headto initially rotate, relative to said torso, in a direction opposite: tothe direction of rotation of said torso, and said head spotting meansfurther causes said head to rotate in the same direction as said torso,but at a faster rotational rate of speed, when said torso has beenrotated through a predetermined distance.

9; The doll of claim 8 wherein said head spotting means comprises aplate, said plate having an elongated slot therein, said plate beingsecured to said torso and being rotatable with respect to said torso,cylinder means being keyed to said shaft and being eccentrically mountedthereon, said cylinder means being positioned in said slot, said platebeing keyed to a head driving shaft, said head driving shaft beingadapted to cause the rotation of said head, whereby the rotation of saidtorso around said cylinder will cause said cylinder to moveeccentrically within said slot, thereby oscillating said plate aboutsaid head shaft, and thereby oscillating said head.

10. A doll comprising a torso, a pair of legs and a pair of arms on saidtorso and a head rotatably mounted on said torso, drive means forrotating said torso about a generally upright axis, and head spottingmeans for controlling the rotation of said head as a function of therotation of said torso, said head spotting means initially causing saidhead to rotate, relative to said torso, in a direction opposite to thedirection of rotation of said torso, thereby giving the appearance thatsaid head faces in a substantially fixed direction during the initialpart of each revolution of said torso, and said head spotting meansthereafter causing said head to rotate in the same direction as saidtorso, but at a faster rotational rate of speed, in order to cause saidhead to rotate a complete revolution for each revolution of the torso,whereby said head will again face in said substantially fixed direction;said head spotting means com prising a plate, said plate having anelongated slot therein, said plate being mounted on said torso and beingrotatable with respect to said torso, said drive means including a shaftrotatable relative to said torso, cylinder means keyed to said shaft andbeing eccentrically mounted thereon, said cylinder means beingpositioned in said slot, said plate being keyed to a head driving shaft,rotation of said head driving shaft and causing rotation of said head,whereby the rotation of said torso around said cylinder will cause saidcylinder to move eccentrically within said slot, thereby oscillatingsaid plate and said head shaft, and thereby oscillating said head.

11. The doll of claim 10 wherein said head is secured on a neck disc,said neck disc being rotatably mounted with respect to said torso, saidneck disc being pivotally secured to a neck plate, and said neck platebeing keyed to said head driving shaft, whereby the oscillation of saidtorso plate will oscillate said head driving shaft, thereby oscillatingsaid neck plate and said head which is pivotally secured to said neckplate.

I II! =0

1. A doll comprising: a torso; a pair of legs mounted on said torso, atleast one of said legs being mounted for upward and downward swingingmovement and the other of said legs having means thereon for supportingsaid doll, when in a generally upright position, on a supporting surfacefor free rotation about a generally upright axis; a pair of armsswingably mounted on said torso for upward and downward swingingmovement; a head pivotally mounted on said torso; drive means forrotating said doll about said generally upright axis; and actuatingmeans drivingly connected to said drive means, to said one leg and tosaid arms for swinging said one leg and said arms upwardly anddownwardly in timed relation to rotation of said doll about saidgenerally upright axis.
 2. A doll as defined in claim 1 wherein saiddrive means comprises a generally upright shaft journalled in saidtorso, extending upwardly through said head and having manuallygraspable means thereon exteriorally of said head; and means fordrivingly connecting said shaft to said torso in one direction whilepermitting free rotation of said torso relative to said shaft in saidone direction.
 3. A doll as defined in claim 2 wherein said last-namedmeans comprises a disc fixed on said shaft and a generally pointedfinger pivotally mounted on said torso with its generally pointed endengaging the periphery of said disc to serve as a ratchet connectionbetween said shaft and torso.
 4. The doll of claim 2 wherein saidactuating means includes a bracket supporting said one leg, said bracketbeing pivotally mounted with respect to said torso, bar means pivotallylinked to said bracket, and means responsive to rotation of said shaftto cause the raising and lowering of said bar means, thereby pivotallyreciprocating said bracket on which said one leg is secured, and therebyraising and lowering said one leg.
 5. The doll of claim 4 and furtherincluding arm bracket means, each of said arms being keyed to arotatably mounted shaft which is keyed to said arm bracket means, rodmeans being pivotally linked to said leg bracket and to said arm bracketmeans, said rod means being linked to said leg bracket on the side ofthe pivotal point which is opposite to the pivotal securement of saidbar means, whereby the pivotal reciprocation of said leg bracket willCause the raising and lowering of said arms.
 6. The doll of claim 5 andfurther including compression spring means which bear against said rodmeans, said spring means being compressed when said arms are lowered andsaid spring means being expanded when said arms are raised.
 7. The dollof claim 2 and further including head spotting means responsive torelative rotation between said torso and shaft, which head spottingmeans controls rotation of said head about said generally upright axisas a function of the rotation of said torso.
 8. The doll of claim 7wherein said head spotting means causes said head to initially rotate,relative to said torso, in a direction opposite to the direction ofrotation of said torso, and said head spotting means further causes saidhead to rotate in the same direction as said torso, but at a fasterrotational rate of speed, when said torso has been rotated through apredetermined distance.
 9. The doll of claim 8 wherein said headspotting means comprises a plate, said plate having an elongated slottherein, said plate being secured to said torso and being rotatable withrespect to said torso, cylinder means being keyed to said shaft andbeing eccentrically mounted thereon, said cylinder means beingpositioned in said slot, said plate being keyed to a head driving shaft,said head driving shaft being adapted to cause the rotation of saidhead, whereby the rotation of said torso around said cylinder will causesaid cylinder to move eccentrically within said slot, therebyoscillating said plate about said head shaft, and thereby oscillatingsaid head.
 10. A doll comprising a torso, a pair of legs and a pair ofarms on said torso and a head rotatably mounted on said torso, drivemeans for rotating said torso about a generally upright axis, and headspotting means for controlling the rotation of said head as a functionof the rotation of said torso, said head spotting means initiallycausing said head to rotate, relative to said torso, in a directionopposite to the direction of rotation of said torso, thereby giving theappearance that said head faces in a substantially fixed directionduring the initial part of each revolution of said torso, and said headspotting means thereafter causing said head to rotate in the samedirection as said torso, but at a faster rotational rate of speed, inorder to cause said head to rotate a complete revolution for eachrevolution of the torso, whereby said head will again face in saidsubstantially fixed direction; said head spotting means comprising aplate, said plate having an elongated slot therein, said plate beingmounted on said torso and being rotatable with respect to said torso,said drive means including a shaft rotatable relative to said torso,cylinder means keyed to said shaft and being eccentrically mountedthereon, said cylinder means being positioned in said slot, said platebeing keyed to a head driving shaft, rotation of said head driving shaftand causing rotation of said head, whereby the rotation of said torsoaround said cylinder will cause said cylinder to move eccentricallywithin said slot, thereby oscillating said plate and said head shaft,and thereby oscillating said head.
 11. The doll of claim 10 wherein saidhead is secured on a neck disc, said neck disc being rotatably mountedwith respect to said torso, said neck disc being pivotally secured to aneck plate, and said neck plate being keyed to said head driving shaft,whereby the oscillation of said torso plate will oscillate said headdriving shaft, thereby oscillating said neck plate and said head whichis pivotally secured to said neck plate.